Time flew when studying. Blink of an eye—late June. Gemini nervously closed the shop. Gave everyone long vacation. Set off for home.
O.W.L. exams—scheduled for the last week of June. Entire week was exam week. Gemini returned to Britain. Barely caught her breath. Professor McGonagall dragged her back to school. To save face, McGonagall arranged a professor's lounge as temporary accommodation.
Gemini's return didn't stir attention. Everyone's minds on exams. During tests, Gemini sat in the back row. Written exams—left when time was up. Practical portions conducted early the night examiners arrived.
Gemini finished a day earlier than most students. Left school.
Stayed at Grimmauld Place less than ten minutes. Fled under Kreacher's muttering. Headed to Harry and Ginny's home—Potter House in Godric's Hollow.
To celebrate Gemini completing O.W.L.s, Ginny invited Hermione and Ron. Small celebration. Malfoy family sent invitation and gifts. Said they'd hold a banquet at Malfoy Manor once results came. Officially announce the Black family's return.
Gemini had registered in America on her own. Not many knew. Black family's foundation still in Britain. No one objected.
After Harry replied to Draco's letter with a dark expression, felt uncomfortable. But these were Gemini's relatives. For her future, couldn't be too distant. Reluctantly agreed.
After exams, Gemini played at Harry's house for a week. Finally received her report card.
Arrived during breakfast. Owl flew through the open window. Landed on the table. Dropped rolled paper in front of Gemini. Flew away.
Harry's house became lively. Gemini gripped the report card. Took a deep breath. Slowly unrolled it under everyone's gaze. Quickly scanned—basically all O's or E's. No A's. Only then looked carefully.
Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms, Transfiguration, Ancient Runes, Astronomy, Herbology—all O's. Quite good. History of Magic, Divination, Care of Magical Creatures—E's. Also not bad. Gemini confidently displayed the report card.
"Really excellent!" Sirius praised first. "You took Divination? Got an E—truly unexpected!"
Lily smacked Sirius on the back of the head. Though virtual, Sirius cooperatively scratched his head. "Why'd you hit me?"
Lily ignored Sirius. Said gently to Gemini: "Good child, these grades are very good. Not much different from Harry's back then. And you reviewed on your own—incredibly difficult."
Sirius laughed sheepishly. "Wasn't saying your grades were bad. Mine weren't better—I was rebellious."
Gemini put away the report card. "About what I expected. When I found out about exams, half a year had passed. Review wasn't thorough enough. Self-study without professors doesn't work well."
"What should we do? Return to school for two years? Let your employees take long vacations—keep paying salaries. I'll cover it." Harry said worriedly.
Gemini firmly refused. How many who'd left school wanted back? Especially their age—going back too embarrassing. "I'll ask the Picquery family in America. See if I can audit at Ilvermorny. Curriculum's similar. If that doesn't work, hire a tutor. This exam was testing waters. Self-study can't replace professors. N.E.W.T.s will be serious. Don't worry, I'll be careful."
Seeing Gemini's expression, Harry could only sigh. Why always want to run away?
Malfoy family was well-informed. Same day report card arrived, carriage came to Harry's door. Picked her up. Also delivered invitations to Harry's family.
Gemini wasn't eager for banquets. But felt she was an adult. Needed connections. Besides, Black family now had only her.
Harry brought Gemini with a sour face. Personally delivered her to Draco. Hurried off to work. Draco took Gemini to meet Lucius and Narcissa, retired in the back. Arranged a room in the main building. Banquet set for tomorrow night. His wife Astoria arranged clothing shop staff to customize gowns and jewelry. Determined to dress Gemini beautifully.
"Enough, really enough, Astoria!" Gemini looked bitterly at the room full of clothes and jewelry. Never imagined trying on clothes would make her want to vomit!
"Mm, you're tired? Then this black one, gold one, pink one—which?" Astoria good-naturedly picked three complete sets.
Gemini sighed in relief. Looked carefully. "Black one. After all, Black family."
Astoria laughed softly. "Alright, Miss Black in black."
Looking at Astoria treating her like a daughter, Gemini fell silent. She'd always wanted a child. But their family had a curse. Made women's bodies weak. Especially childbirth—seriously affected health. Draco refused children. Even if Malfoy line ended.
Honestly, when Draco learned of Gemini's existence, thought about bringing her to Malfoy family. Couldn't compete with Harry. Had to give up. Later set sights on Gemini's future descendants. Thought he could adopt one. Only after spending time with Gemini did he abandon this. Given her personality, whether she'd even like men was questionable. Let alone children.
"Draco still doesn't want children?" Gemini asked.
Astoria smiled. Ruffled Gemini's hair. "That's not for you to worry about. Your job—be a beautiful little princess. Wear gorgeous clothes to the banquet."
Gemini felt uncomfortable. "I know many people in America. I'll look into it when I go back—maybe they have solutions."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
Read up to (90+ ) advanced chapters on Patre\on
Visit us here: patreon.com/DarkGolds
Happy reading, everyone!